Ishan Kishan was part of the ODI squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh, but was never in fray for a place in the XI with Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma being the preferred openers. But a rare opportunity opened up for the 23-year-old when the captain incurred a thumb injury in the 2nd ODI and was ruled out of the final tie, and Ishan grabbed it with both hands, smashing 210 runs off 131 balls in India's colossal 227-run win. Does that put Ishan in fray for the ODI World Cup? While, the team management are yet to decide on that but Ishan had a witty reply to the query which left reporters in splits.
Dhawan, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan are the three openers fighting to be Rohit's opening partner in ODIs. Gill was rested and Dhawan returned with a forgettable series. And Ishan, who played just one match, smashed the fastest ever double century in ODI cricket in India's emphatic win among breaking plethora of other record en route to his knock.
So does that record double guarantee Ishan his place in the ODI squad for the impending Sri Lanka series with Team India gearing up for the ODI World Cup next year? The youngster's reply left the media room bursting into laughter.
"I don't know, I don't think these things," Ishan said. "All I can do is perform when I get a chance. I don't want to talk. I want to let my bat do the talking. Whether there is a place for me or not. Aab 200 kiya hai kya pata (Now I've scored a double century so who knows)"
{{/usCountry}}"I don't know, I don't think these things," Ishan said. "All I can do is perform when I get a chance. I don't want to talk. I want to let my bat do the talking. Whether there is a place for me or not. Aab 200 kiya hai kya pata (Now I've scored a double century so who knows)"
{{/usCountry}}Ishan however realises the immense competition for the opener's role in the Indian team which might also force him to look at alternate batting positions.
"Batting position, I think, other players also come through having batted at different positions. So being a young player, I can't complain and demand that you must bat me at this particular position," Kishan said. "At this level, it's about making use of the opportunities that are provided to you. That's how big players are made."